Solar Calculators

A number of online calculators have been developed to help you make a decision about going solar. Some of the calculators are required to participate in the various California rebate programs.

These calculators provide estimates of costs, paybacks, and electricity production for solar systems and may not be a true reflection of the costs or the pay-back period for your new solar electricity system. Please note that results may vary between calculators due to differing internal assumptions and calculation methodologies. Not all of them will agree with each other, and some may use generalized assumptions.

Flexible Installation Calculator (for New Solar Homes Partnership) - supports NSHP reservation applications and payment claims submitted under NSHP Guidebook, Tenth Edition through estimates of system performance. Use of this calculator is required for all projects reserved after March 8, 2017 including all 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards projects. Previously reserved projects can elect to adhere to the NSHP Guidebook, Tenth Edition and use this calculator

Solar Advantage Value Estimator (SAVE) - estimates the present value of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system; providing a method to calculate the energy savings value of a solar system including the estimated value in annual energy savings. The California Energy Commission developed SAVE in response to expressed interest from real estate professionals, and other stakeholders.See FAQs